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Basic Sciences - Matter & Wave Properties

Study terms related to material properties, changes of state, light behaviour, wave characteristics, electromagnetic radiation, and wave types.

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Words Related to Basic Sciences
boiling point

the temperature at which a liquid starts boiling

Ex: Water has a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. 
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freezing point

the temperature at which liquid becomes solid

Ex: The freezing point of ethanol is lower than that of water. 
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antimatter

(physics) matter consisting of elementary particles that are the antiparticles of those of regular matter

Ex: Antimatter is composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as their corresponding particles but opposite electric charge. 
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conductivity

(physics) the ability of a material to transmit heat, electricity, or sound

Ex: Copper is known for its high electrical conductivity, making it ideal for wiring. 
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density
density
[noun]

(physics) the mass of a substance or object per unit of volume

Ex: Lead has a much higher density than aluminum. 
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expansivity

(physics) the measure of how much a material expands or contracts when its temperature changes by one degree

Ex: The expansivity of metals must be considered when building long bridges. 
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elasticity

the ability to go back to the original form after being stretched

Ex: The elasticity of the rubber band allowed it to snap back into place. 
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viscosity
viscosity
[noun]

the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, indicating its thickness or stickiness

Ex: Motor oil is specifically designed with a certain viscosity to function optimally in engines. 
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resilient
resilient
[Adjective]

having the ability to return to its original shape or position after being stretched or compressed

Ex: Rubber bands are resilient and can stretch without breaking. 
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tensile
tensile
[Adjective]

capable of being stretched or drawn out without breaking

Ex: The silk thread is highly tensile, allowing it to stretch without snapping. 
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to contract

to reduce the size or volume of something by applying pressure or force

Ex: When faced with danger, some animals contract their bodies, making themselves appear smaller to predators. 
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to compress

to reduce the volume or size of something by applying pressure, squeezing, or condensing it

Ex: The athlete wore compression socks to help compress the muscles and improve circulation. 
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to condense

to change from a gaseous state to a liquid state

Ex: As the steam from the hot shower met the cool bathroom mirror, it began to condense, forming water droplets. 
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to solidify

to transform from a liquid or flexible state into a stable, firm, or compact form

Ex: As the temperature dropped, the melted wax began to solidify, forming candles with a smooth surface. 
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to absorb
to absorb
[Verb]

to take in heat, light, sound, radiation, or another form of energy

Ex: Dark surfaces absorb more heat from sunlight. 
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photon
photon
[noun]

a fundamental particle of light that carries electromagnetic energy and exhibits both particle-like and wave-like properties

Ex: Photons are the quanta of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, radio waves, and X-rays. 
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refraction

the bending of the wave's path as it passes from one medium to another; caused by a change in its speed or direction

Ex: The refraction of light through the water created a rainbow effect. 
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diffraction

the bending, spreading, and interference of waves as they encounter obstacles or pass through narrow openings, often observed in the behavior of light, sound, or other waves

Ex: Diffraction of light produces patterns of alternating dark and bright regions when it encounters a narrow slit or passes through an obstacle. 
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reflexion
reflexion
[noun]

(physics) the bouncing back of a wave, such as light or sound, when it hits a surface

Ex: The reflexion of sound off the canyon walls created a clear echo. 
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wave
wave
[noun]

(physics) an oscillating movement by which energy is transferred without the transport of matter, such as light and sound

Ex: Light travels through space in the form of a wave. 
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wavelength

the distance between a point on a wave of energy and a similar point on the next wave

Ex: In physics, wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) of a wave. 
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frequency
frequency
[noun]

the specific number of waves that pass a point every second

Ex: In physics, frequency is measured in hertz, which represents the number of waves passing a point per second. 
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spectrum
spectrum
[noun]

the range of electromagnetic radiation arranged according to wavelength or frequency

Ex: Visible light occupies only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. 
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amplitude
amplitude
[noun]

(physics) the maximum distance a vibrating material, sound wave, etc. such as a pendulum travels from its first position

Ex: In physics, amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. 
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oscillation

(physics) the back-and-forth motion of an object between two end points

Ex: Pendulums have proven useful for studying simple harmonic oscillation and modeling more complex periodic motions in dynamic systems. 
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infrared
infrared
[Adjective]

relating to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves, often used in night vision, heat detection, and remote control technology

Ex: Infrared cameras capture heat signatures that are invisible to the human eye. 
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ultraviolet
ultraviolet
[Adjective]

relating to electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than those of visible light but longer than X-rays

Ex: Sunscreen protects against ultraviolet rays, preventing sunburn. 
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laser
laser
[noun]

a device that produces a narrow, intense beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation, usually light

Ex: The technician calibrated the laser before the experiment. 
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transverse wave

(physics) a wave in which the vibrations occur at right angles to the direction the wave travels

Ex: Light travels as a transverse wave, with electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to its path. 
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longitudinal wave

(physics) a wave in which the vibrations move back and forth along the same direction the wave travels

Ex: Sound is a longitudinal wave that travels through air by compressing and expanding molecules. 
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interference

unwanted signals or electrical activity that disrupt or distort the transmission or reception of information

Ex: The radio signal was difficult to hear because of electrical interference. 
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